Design, Research, Promotional and Consulting Services Market Report 2025

The design, research, promotional and consulting services market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $4.52 trillion in 2024 to $4.74 trillion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to technological advancements, globalization, marketing and advertising, consumer behavior.

The design, research, promotional and consulting services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.98 trillion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to digital transformation, economic conditions, environmental concerns, regulatory changes. Major trends in the forecast period include data analytics and ai, sustainability and csr, e-commerce and online presence, remote work and collaboration tools.

The forecast of 6% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.2% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. Trade restrictions may impact U.S. creative agencies by raising costs for 3D prototyping software and consumer behavior research platforms imported from Sweden and Singapore, resulting in higher client fees and reduced competitiveness in global design projects. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

Stable economic growth is anticipated to drive the growth of the design, research, promotional, and consulting services market in the foreseeable future. As an example, in a report released in September 2023 by the Conference Board, a non-profit organization based in the United States, it was predicted that global real GDP would grow by 2.9% in 2023. Additionally, according to a report published in June 2023 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an intergovernmental organization headquartered in France, global GDP growth in 2023 is estimated to be 2.7%. Furthermore, the OECD's Interim Report, issued in September 2023, foresees a 3% expansion in the global economy for 2023. This stable economic growth is expected to result in increased investments in end-user markets, thereby propelling the market's growth during the forecast period.

The increasing incidence of cybercrimes is expected to stimulate the growth of the architectural, engineering consultants, and related services market in the future. Cybercrime encompasses unlawful activities conducted through digital technologies or the internet. Architectural and engineering consultants can contribute to creating and implementing secure building and facility designs that incorporate cybersecurity measures, including access controls, secure data storage, and surveillance systems.For instance, in November 2023, according to the Department of Defence Australia, during the 2022-2023 financial year, the Australian Cyber Security Centre received more than 94,000 cybercrime reports, reflecting a 23% increase compared to the previous year (2021-2022). This rise in cybercrimes is driving the growth of the architectural, engineering consultants, and related services market, as companies in these sectors increasingly seek advanced security measures and consultancy services to safeguard their operations and infrastructure.

Companies operating in the design, research, promotional, and consulting services market are transitioning from traditional revenue models based on hourly or monthly billing to adopt a value-centric revenue model. Fueled by rising labor costs and client demands for cost reductions, many firms are embracing value-centric pricing. This approach is particularly suitable for industries like management consulting and market research where the value delivered, such as tax savings, damage awards, advertising placements, or the scale of acquisitions and mergers, is often explicit. The trend indicates a broader shift within the design, research, promotional, and consulting service sector, with more providers gravitating toward value-based pricing strategies to position themselves as 'advisors' rather than mere service providers.

Major companies operating in the design, research, promotional, and consulting services market are increasingly focused on developing eco-friendly innovations to reduce environmental impact and meet the growing consumer demand for sustainability. These innovations include the use of sustainable materials, improving product longevity, and promoting energy efficiency. Eco-friendly innovations refer to products, services, or processes designed to minimize environmental harm while supporting sustainability. For instance, in May 2024, SIS International Research Inc., a US-based media company, introduced a suite of specialized consulting services aimed at optimizing brand strategies and enhancing customer engagement. These services encompass brand positioning, consumer behavior research, product innovation, and sustainability strategy development, all tailored to meet the evolving needs of brands in a competitive marketplace.

Major companies operating in the design, research, promotional and consulting services market include Accenture plc, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, Total SA, PowerChina, WPP plc, PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, Ernst & Young, Omnicom Group Inc., Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Fluor Corporation, Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd., International Business Machines Corporation, McKinsey & Company Inc., Boston Consulting Group Inc., Bain & Company Inc., KPMG International Limited, Nielsen Holdings plc, Ipsos SA, GfK SE, Kantar Group Holdings Limited, Forrester Research Inc., International Data Corporation, Frost & Sullivan Inc., Navigant Consulting Inc., ICF International Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp., Kearney, Oliver Wyman Group Inc., Mercer Inc., Willis Towers Watson Holdings plc, Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., Huron Consulting Group Inc., FTI Consulting Inc., AlixPartners UK LLP, Alvarez & Marsal Holdings LLC.

North America was the largest region in the design, research, promotional and consulting services market in 2024. Western Europe was the second largest region in design, research, promotional and consulting services market. The regions covered in the design, research, promotional and consulting services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. The countries covered in the design, research, promotional and consulting services market report are Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, France, Germany, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa.

The design, research, promotional and consulting services (also referred to as general professional services) market consists of revenue earned by entities that offer expertise and services to a wide range of industries, and in some cases to households and individuals. Activities include architectural services, engineering services, design services, research services, advertising services, and other design, research, promotional and consulting services. Design, research, promotional and consulting establishments undertake processes where human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis, where an individual or team is responsible for the delivery of services to the client. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sharp rise in U.S. tariffs and the ensuing trade tensions in spring 2025 are taking a toll on the professional services sector, especially within legal, consulting, architectural, and engineering fields. Increased duties on imported technology, software, office hardware, and digital infrastructure have pushed up operational costs for firms that rely on global systems and resources. Cross-border consulting engagements are experiencing delays and higher expenses due to elevated travel costs and limited access to international data and tools. Moreover, industries heavily impacted by tariffs such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics are reducing their reliance on outsourced services, dampening demand for professional support. In response, service providers are reassessing pricing models, strengthening ties with domestic vendors, and accelerating the adoption of AI and automation to maintain profitability and client satisfaction in an increasingly volatile environment.

A design is a blueprint or creation in fields like the arts and fashion, representing a method for organizing elements effectively to achieve specific objectives. Research involves producing new knowledge or applying existing knowledge creatively to generate fresh ideas, methodologies, and insights. Promotional services pertain to activities that help disseminate information about products, services, or businesses. Consulting services involve offering knowledge or strategic advice for consideration and decision-making.

The primary categories within design, research, promotional, and consulting services encompass photographic services, market research services, advertising, public relations, and related services; scientific research and development services; environmental consulting services; management consulting services; specialized design services; architectural and engineering consulting; and related services. Photographic services are a segment of Design and Publication Services that provides photographic solutions to university faculty and staff, including access to a photographer and a photo lab technician. These services are available through online and offline channels and are offered by both large corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises.

The design, research, promotional, and consulting services market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides design, research, promotional, and consulting services market statistics, including design, research, promotional, and consulting services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a design, research, promotional, and consulting services market share, detailed design, research, promotional, and consulting services market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the design, research, promotional, and consulting services industry. This design, research, promotional, and consulting services market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future state of the industry.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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